The Independent National Electoral Commission on Friday confirmed that all 22 registered political parties in the country have successfully submitted their membership registers in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
The Commission disclosed that the submissions were completed as of May 8, 2026, two days ahead of the extended deadline granted to political parties following concerns raised over the initial timeline contained in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the extension became necessary after political parties, during a meeting with the Commission on March 24, 2026, requested additional time to align their primaries and membership register submissions with the requirements of the Electoral Act.
Haruna explained that INEC subsequently reviewed the timetable through a press statement issued on March 27, 2026, extending the deadline for the submission of party membership registers from April 21 to May 10, 2026.
He noted that political parties were permitted to conduct their primaries within the approved window of April 23 to May 30, 2026, while ensuring that their membership registers were submitted to the Commission not later than 21 days before their respective primaries, in accordance with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026.
The Commission expressed satisfaction that all registered political parties complied with the directive within the stipulated timeframe.
INEC further stated that the submitted registers would now undergo the necessary verification processes in line with the law as preparations intensify for the 2027 General Election.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible and inclusive elections across the country.
